LIVE REVIEW: Fanfarlo + Waterstrider @ Slim’s, SF 4/17/12

April 23. 2012 | By Collin Welbon

The late entry, opening band from Berkeley, Waterstrider, could not have been juxtaposed with a better band if the indie rock gods had laid their hands upon Tuesday night’s show at Slim’s themselves. Waterstrider came out on stage and lit the place up with their enthusiasm and musical talent. To say that they an array of instruments would be an understatement. The high-pitched voice of lead singer and ukulele shredder, Nate Salman, rang out through the sparse crowd but still fit perfectly with the flute, guitar, synthesizer, and numerous forms of percussion (mostly being played by the ever-so-talented Brijean Murphy). It’s always fun to see an up-and-coming, local band with a true appreciation for the opportunity to open for a band like Fanfarlo.

Waterstrider @ Slim’s, San Francisco 4/17/12

Waterstrider

Speaking of eclectic instrumentation, Fanfarlo delighted the audience with not only their music, but also their playful humor. From Swedish musician Simon Balthazar talking about breaking his shoe and not knowing a better place than San Francisco to be barefoot to bassist Justin Finch shaming some girls for “playing Angry Birds” during the show, Fanfarlo was obviously having a good time as well as wowing the audience with their musicianship. Coming to San Francisco from their first weekend at Coachella and also coming to the end of their extensive US tour, it only seemed proper for the band to be a bit rambunctious and wired on stage.

Fanfarlo @ Slim’s, SF 4/17/12

Starting their show off with “Replicate” from their new album, Rooms Filled With Light, aroused the audience into wanting more and filled the venue with anxious wonderment. As the concert continued, Fanfarlo did not disappoint. It was impossible to not move in some way to the music, whether dancing drunkenly or tapping a foot.

Fanfarlo @ Slim’s, SF 4/17/12

Fitting into the evening’s banterous nature, Simon Balthazar desired a whiskey prior to playing an encore, and one was quickly delivered to the stage. Due to the speedy delivery of the whiskey, Fanfarlo never even left the stage and instead just continued to play more songs. They ended the evening with an inspiring rendition of “The Walls Are Coming Down.” What an appropriate way to end a night filled with music made by talented musicians with instruments originating from all over the world.

Fanfarlo @ Slim’s, SF 4/17/12

Fanfarlo @ Slim’s, SF 4/17/12

Fanfarlo @ Slim’s, SF 4/17/12

Fanfarlo @ Slim’s, SF 4/17/12

Click here for more photos of Fanfarlo with Waterstrider at Slim’s.

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